THE LEADER'S REPORT: WEEK OF APRIL 14, 2008

This week, the House passed the Ensuring Access to Student Loans Act, an important measure to ensure that the credit crisis does not become a student crisis. As problems in the credit markets have prompted some lenders to scale back – or stop – offering student loans, it is prudent for the government to safeguard access to student loans to ensure that students and their families have the resources they need to pay for college.

Majority Leader Hoyer speaks at a press conference on
the impact of the Iraq war on the U.S. economy, with
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senator Charles
Schumer, and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney.

On Tax Day, Democrats continued our commitment to making our tax code fairer and simpler by passing the Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act. This bill makes small but important reforms to our tax code. It will strengthen taxpayer protections from identity theft and tax fraud, expand assistance for low-income taxpayers, and end the private collection of federal income taxes.

As Pope Benedict XVI made his first visit to the United States, the House passed the Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation, a bill he has championed that provides debt cancellation to the poorest nations in the world.

Next week, we will continue to insist on government accountability by taking up several government contracting bills. We will support small businesses with a bill to improve the Small Business Innovation Research program and the Small Business Technology Transfer program. We will also bring the Coast Guard Authorization Act to the Floor next week. In addition, we continue to work on important legislation, such as the Farm Bill, legislation addressing the housing crisis, supplemental funding for Iraq, and a budget resolution.

Sincerely yours,
STENY H. HOYER

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MAJORITY NEWS UPDATE

Hoyer: American Families Are Hurting As We Continue to Pour Resources into Iraq
Hoyer spoke at a press conference on Wednesday addressing the economic costs of the war in Iraq. He noted the Administration continues to request resources for Iraq - even as the security situation is deteriorating and political reconciliation is not occurring - while opposing measures to strengthen our weakening economy at home.Read release

Hoyer Statement on Bush Administration Climate Change Remarks
On Wednesday, Hoyer responded to the President's announcement about the Administration's efforts to address global climate change, saying that it does not erase the Administration's dismal record on this issue, nor does it put forth the bold plan needed to achieve our climate change goals. Read release

Hoyer Statement on the Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act
As millions of Americans filed their taxes on the 15th, Hoyer noted that Democrats have been focused for years on making our tax code fairer and simpler, and the bill passed by the House begins the process by making small, important reforms.Read release